How to reach the Canton Fair

Once you are in Guangzhou, there are three main ways to reach the Canton Fair:

Direct shuttle service: It takes you directly from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the fair venue. The shuttle services run through all three phases of the trade fair between 1pm to 6pm. You will find a new shuttle every 30 minutes. There are also shuttle buses available from major hotels to the fair venue.

Metro: You can take Line 8 either from the Pazhou Station via exits A, B, or C or from the Xingang Dong Station via exit A.

Taxi: You can also directly get a taxi to the venue using ride-hailing apps like DiDi.

Top tips to conquer the Canton Trade Fair

1. Create a game plan

The Canton Trade Fair is so far and vast that it’s easy to get lost in the wide range of products offered by suppliers from across China. To make the most out of the event, you need to first decide on the type of products you are interested in.

You should also build a short list of suppliers you want to see and find out where they are located. Prepare a list of questions to ask suppliers, including

• What are the most popular products?
• What are your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)?
• What are the current delivery time frames?
• Which countries do you export to?
• What are the preferred payment methods?
• Can I get exclusivity on a specific product or product range?
• Can I get products in a specific colour or size?

It’s important to choose reputed and reliable suppliers and build deep business relationships with them. You may not get a lot of opportunities to have face-to-face conversations with so many suppliers. Use your time to learn about them and their major capabilities. Ask direct questions, be confident, and learn some negotiation skills.

→ Pro tip: If you are going to visit the Canton Trade Fair for a particular phase, you can create a daily game plan like this:

• Day 1-2: Explore and engage by heading to your shortlisted exhibitors and schedule talks and forums that might benefit your business.
• Day 3 & beyond: Deepen connections and learn more by revisiting any preferred suppliers for further discussions and plans, and meet other exhibitors to see what else is on offer.

2. Consider getting a translator

You will find that most booths at the Canton Fair will have someone who can speak English. But if you want your own translator, you can partner with a translation service agency or even book Canton Fair’s on-site translators, who are often in high demand, so booking early is necessary.

→ Pro tip: Digital translation apps, like Alibaba Translate, can be handy for simple conversations.

3. Stack up your business cards

Exchanging business cards is a common practice in China. You should bring plenty of business cards with all your contact information, including, phone number, email address, and WeChat ID.

Networking is one of the main reasons many overseas buyers attend the Canton Fair in China. You should use this opportunity to build your network of suppliers.

→Pro tip: Receive all business cards with two hands to show respect, and keep it in sight during your meeting.

4. Download useful apps

China has its own range of apps for making payments, sending messages, and managing transportation. Make sure you have all the important apps downloaded on your phone when you land in China.

• Alipay: It is a leading platform for payments and digital services in China. Accepted by millions of merchants, foreign visitors can connect their credit cards to pay for nearly everything. To pay, open the app and either scan the QR code or the merchant will scan your one-time QR code in the ‘Pay/Receive’ tab.

→ Pro tip: The popular question, “I scan or you scan me?” is often asked in stores.

• WeChat: It is the main communication app used in China. Stay in touch with suppliers, taxi drivers, and official business accounts with it. Create a profile and get verified by an existing user to get started.

• Amap: Amap is a navigation app that provides details about real-time traffic in China

• Baidu Map: Another navigation app that provides a street view function and helps people find their way across the different Chinese cities.

• DiDi: It is a taxi-hailing app that allows users to request real-time rides from partnered drivers.

• Metroman China: It provides up-to-date and accurate information about metros in China, including metro maps and running schedules.

→ Pro Tip: Install a VPN before you land in China because global apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, YouTube, and Instagram don’t work in the country.

5. Learn some handy Chinese phrases

It’s good to show appreciation for Chinese culture by learning a few common phrases. It can also help you travel the country with convenience.